"Each week Spurlock will provide an insider's view into rarely seen sectors of American life that include gun lovers, marijuana growers, migrant farm workers and end-of-life caregivers," the network said in a statement.

CNN Worldwide Executive Vice President and Managing Editor Mark Whitaker said Spurlock's name was "synonymous with creative and thought-provoking documentary storytelling."

Spurlock -- who his bio says he watches "SpongeBob SquarePants" with his 5-year-old son Laken Saturday mornings -- is the creator of the reality TV series "30 Days," which aired on CNN rival Fox Broadcasting Co.'s FX cable network from 2005-2008.

In that show, Spurlock or some other person or group of people spent 30 days immersing themselves in a particular lifestyle with which they are unfamiliar -- such as working for minimum wage, being in prison or converting to Islam from Christianity -- while discussing related social issues.

He also directed the 2010 Fox documentary special "The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special -- In 3-D! On Ice!" which examined the animated TV series as a "cultural phenomenon."

The Huffington Post said Thursday the announcement of Spurlock's show was the latest indication the network that originated 24-hour news was looking to chart a new path as a way out of its ratings slump.

There were reports earlier this month CNN was considering adding reality shows as a potential savior. The network said it was pursuing "non-fiction original series."